A matched-cohort study comparing outpatient total knee arthroplasty in an ambulatory surgery center with inpatient total knee arthroplasty in a hospital

Conclusions: No significant differences were noted between TKA performed in an ASC and a hospital for major complications or hospital readmissions at 90 days. The average length of stay in the hospital was 2.5 days, however, which might indicate a higher cost than day surgery. Although not statistically significant, the ASC cohort had fewer minor complications than the inpatient cohort. In select patients TKA performed outpatient in an ASC appears to be as effective and safe as that performed in a hospital, with the caveat that some patients may not be candidates. Careful patient selection, preoperative screening and counseling, and the use of multimodal pain regimens are critical to minimizing complications and reducing costs. Level of Evidence: Level III.
Source: Current Orthopaedic Practice - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Original Research Source Type: research